Somerset Wildlife Trust has been awarded a share of £25 million funding to restore and create a nature-rich landscape.

The Species Survival Fund has granted money to 20 conservation projects across the UK, among them, Bogs and Bitterns: Somerset wetland restoration.

The nationwide initiatives aim to regenerate over 3,300 hectares of key habitats for wildlife.

These areas span from Cornwall to Northumberland and include habitats like grasslands, woodlands, and wetlands.

Simon Clarke, head of nature recovery at Somerset Wildlife Trust, said, "The natural environment is at a critical crossroads.

"We’re really delighted to have been awarded these funds and are looking forward to engaging with the local communities to explore ways that they can get involved."

In Somerset, 50 hectares of wetland habitat will be restored to support species recovery and climate change mitigation.

Grants have been given to wildlife charities, farmers and community groups to expedite nature recovery.

Bridgwater Mercury: The Species Survival Fund has granted money to 20 conservation projects across the UK

The fund is delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund on behalf of Defra.

Projects aided by the fund range from habitat restoration in Hertfordshire and Manchester to chalk stream rehabilitation in the North Wessex Downs.

Environment minister, Rebecca Pow, said: “The funding awarded today will enable local authorities, landowners, farmers, and our protected landscapes organisations to restore nature at scale".